tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76771283676381143602016-12-19T03:29:49.194-08:00Reata Rose RanchMy little corner of the blogosphere where my work and personal life sometimes merge.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-7157633335426339882010-08-03T08:39:00.000-07:002010-08-03T16:30:24.006-07:00The Fleeing Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFimXADqjTI/AAAAAAAACb8/FcjnN_ATNTw/s1600/DSC06649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFimXADqjTI/AAAAAAAACb8/FcjnN_ATNTw/s400/DSC06649.JPG" width="362" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br />I've come to believe that summer passes by so fast in an effort to just keep up with us. It is our busiest time of year (on a ranch), which is why I've been remiss about updating everything on my blog. I am outside most of the time, then steal a nap in the afternoon, forever play catch-up with the mundane chores in life and then back out to water the garden and landscape projects. So, I think I'll just post photos of my 'life at the present' and let it go at that. I hope any and all who may read this have had as busy a summer as me...the good kind of busy...and just as enjoyable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgx3iIv3iI/AAAAAAAACaU/5xgBitnsT08/s1600/DSC07377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgx3iIv3iI/AAAAAAAACaU/5xgBitnsT08/s400/DSC07377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Haying time...bringing bales home for the winter. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgyQcjWfxI/AAAAAAAACac/6inZecPeI4s/s1600/DSC07590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgyQcjWfxI/AAAAAAAACac/6inZecPeI4s/s400/DSC07590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Freshly picked Nanking Cherries<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgynFfunXI/AAAAAAAACak/9aW_u2UqN94/s1600/DSC07468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgynFfunXI/AAAAAAAACak/9aW_u2UqN94/s400/DSC07468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Part of my flower bed...the new landscape project. My swinging night life consists of all of my evenings spent behind a hose; another view below...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgzAZoB65I/AAAAAAAACas/ZfuTgA41KY0/s1600/DSC07455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgzAZoB65I/AAAAAAAACas/ZfuTgA41KY0/s400/DSC07455.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgzaXIGd0I/AAAAAAAACa0/gdq32lgzYds/s1600/DSC07599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFgzaXIGd0I/AAAAAAAACa0/gdq32lgzYds/s400/DSC07599.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>My dear husband was at a ranch auction and he bought an old treadle sewing machine for me. The cabinet is beyond recovery, but I took the darling little machine out and the drawers will be re-purposed when we complete our mudroom-porch this fall. One entire wall will be shelves and cupboards. I want to use all old doors and vintage "junk". The tiny teddy is one I made years ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg0b3UURgI/AAAAAAAACa8/isiv6q8cEMU/s1600/DSC06672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg0b3UURgI/AAAAAAAACa8/isiv6q8cEMU/s400/DSC06672.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>On a junk-hunt, I found a cute little old dish-drying rack to display some of my old china in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg04ry2mkI/AAAAAAAACbM/n6DkE3FQLL8/s1600/DSC06791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg04ry2mkI/AAAAAAAACbM/n6DkE3FQLL8/s400/DSC06791.JPG" width="321" /></a></div>"Ribbon" is coming along nicely. Here she was grazing while there was a branding going on in a nearby corral. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg1SAC6a5I/AAAAAAAACbU/tnnec19pwO0/s1600/july+15+2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg1SAC6a5I/AAAAAAAACbU/tnnec19pwO0/s400/july+15+2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />My Galpals and I got together for our MaryJanesFarm sisterhood meeting and we made mosaic goodies...mine turned out to be a tea-pot planter(?). Almost all of the broken glass and china that I used came from the homestead dump that was once my gr gr grandparents place. I am the little old white-haired lady.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg1w4-2nlI/AAAAAAAACbc/7Oje9UcxuWg/s1600/pullets+best+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg1w4-2nlI/AAAAAAAACbc/7Oje9UcxuWg/s400/pullets+best+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />My pullets should begin to lay sometime in October. At the moment, I am trying to play a role in the demise of a hawk that has sinister plans for my hens! I've shot at him 3 times with my 22, but with no success. Fortunately, the girls learned all they need to know about hawks after witnessing 2 of their sisters being attacked...one killed and eaten and the other I saved by running the hawk off. If only I'd had my gun then. The pullets run from one covered kind of place to another around the barnyard and when they hear the hawk's voice, they run and dive, dive, dive for cover! Chickens Are Not Dumb.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg23fxyOHI/AAAAAAAACbs/Bd-YUbSGY6k/s1600/1+FLOWER+GIRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TFg23fxyOHI/AAAAAAAACbs/Bd-YUbSGY6k/s400/1+FLOWER+GIRL.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>Above: a beautiful print I found (eBay) that I'll frame and put in the porch when it is done. Thus far, I've found a great barn-board bench, an old door to hang lots of doorknobs on for decor thingies, an old gate to hang hooks on for coats, a GREAT old step-back cupboard that I'll paint a olive green, old suitcases for storage containers. I'm on the hunt for a harvest table to live under the bank of windows, but I may have to have one made to suit the place. I'm so looking forward to at long last having a mudroom-porch and a covered, screened-in patio! Useful rooms are so fun to decorate and I'm stoked to see them when they finally are done. My husband has been hauling hay home every day for a few weeks. There's just not enough of him to go around and afterall, summer is for fun too and he loves to rodeo when he can get away from the ranch.&nbsp; Well, that's all for now. I need to go out and put some chicken wire around my new run for the pullet-girls.&nbsp; Happy Trails...until we meet again.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-14392510186478445312010-06-23T08:05:00.000-07:002010-06-23T08:05:56.400-07:00Maiden Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TCIf51ezxMI/AAAAAAAACaE/_Tsc2B0Jurs/s1600/DSC06331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TCIf51ezxMI/AAAAAAAACaE/_Tsc2B0Jurs/s400/DSC06331.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><b>A</b> </span></i></span>few days ago, I finally took my<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: large;"> '<b>baby girl'</b></span><b> </b>(age 3) for our first ride at the ranch. I've been breeding Morgan Horses for about 15 years and she is one I bred and kept for <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">myself</span></b></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">.</span> Her name is <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">"Ribbon"</span></span></b> - registered as "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon". It's a long wait from the time they're foals until you've got a horse under your saddle! But, here we are<b> <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">finally</span></span></b> and she's a gem. Just wanted to share our <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;">maiden journey</span></span></span></span>. <span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;"><b>*</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TCIg44Z7IYI/AAAAAAAACaM/AZFshu92ct8/s1600/Ribbon+1+week.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TCIg44Z7IYI/AAAAAAAACaM/AZFshu92ct8/s400/Ribbon+1+week.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-65694036135744064882010-06-19T08:09:00.000-07:002010-06-24T22:13:31.065-07:00Bliss in WyomingOur winters are long...really long by most folk's standards, at least those who live in a more temperate climate. About March, I get cabin fever and it seems like it takes forever for springtime to come. But, it always does. My little garden is coming along nicely - I used old stock tanks for raised beds. We ride about twice a week to check the cattle. Wildflowers are blooming and the grass waves in the breeze...looking like a sea of green velvet. There are baby antelope scampering about on the ranch. I've got Bluebirds and Tree Swallows nesting nearby in birdhouses I posted on fenceposts. Here are some recent details from my little corner of the world. Summer is here at long last...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzb5ZrYg-I/AAAAAAAACY0/hV-mPZVCj7E/s1600/DSC06277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzb5ZrYg-I/AAAAAAAACY0/hV-mPZVCj7E/s400/DSC06277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcNQCxMuI/AAAAAAAACZE/0nURajP2oAw/s1600/DSC06326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcNQCxMuI/AAAAAAAACZE/0nURajP2oAw/s400/DSC06326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcXOolH_I/AAAAAAAACZM/PWdDD7mcaLY/s1600/DSC06281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcXOolH_I/AAAAAAAACZM/PWdDD7mcaLY/s400/DSC06281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcph4ySBI/AAAAAAAACZc/z0eZKg-sb9w/s1600/DSC06263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcph4ySBI/AAAAAAAACZc/z0eZKg-sb9w/s400/DSC06263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcxg1TJkI/AAAAAAAACZk/TSopTDZDXGw/s1600/DSC05163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzcxg1TJkI/AAAAAAAACZk/TSopTDZDXGw/s400/DSC05163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzc7ERrC8I/AAAAAAAACZs/X9Z6MEieIWg/s1600/DSC06133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzc7ERrC8I/AAAAAAAACZs/X9Z6MEieIWg/s400/DSC06133.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzdBlaNCII/AAAAAAAACZ0/pBpfvl_JTgI/s1600/DSC06086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzdBlaNCII/AAAAAAAACZ0/pBpfvl_JTgI/s400/DSC06086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzdN_dY3MI/AAAAAAAACZ8/TCPVOMprDO8/s1600/F+wild+rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TBzdN_dY3MI/AAAAAAAACZ8/TCPVOMprDO8/s400/F+wild+rose.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-39351946144700328462010-06-04T06:59:00.000-07:002010-06-24T22:16:06.225-07:00Wunnerful, WunnerfulThis time of year is just 'wunnerful' (to quote Lawrence Welk). Northerners wait a long LONG time for <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">green</span></b></span> to return and when it does, we're in a sort of glorious dither. I've got so many things to do, but sometimes I find myself just enjoying all the sights, sounds and smells of summer. I've got a small flock of heirloom pullets that are coming along nicely, I've been creating a garden courtyard of sorts out of recycled 'junktiques', my xeriscape project is an ongoing venture, we're riding for calving and brandings and really enjoying all the wildflowers along the way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkELgzchOI/AAAAAAAACXU/hVeUvSZ5K64/s1600/DSC04601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkELgzchOI/AAAAAAAACXU/hVeUvSZ5K64/s400/DSC04601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkEYutbsVI/AAAAAAAACXc/EyWd-yNwhfU/s1600/DSC04881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkEYutbsVI/AAAAAAAACXc/EyWd-yNwhfU/s400/DSC04881.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkE4o3N2eI/AAAAAAAACXs/rp3TBAE2D8M/s1600/DSC04906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkE4o3N2eI/AAAAAAAACXs/rp3TBAE2D8M/s400/DSC04906.JPG" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkFEX5KNnI/AAAAAAAACX0/MPLM0mw57bA/s1600/DSC04965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkFEX5KNnI/AAAAAAAACX0/MPLM0mw57bA/s400/DSC04965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Babies, babies, babies...'tiz the season. I was thrilled to happen upon a WET newborn antelope. I hurried to take 10 photos and left quickly. Mama came right back and finished cleaning her new baby up. I also discovered a Song Sparrow's nest in a pasture by the house and I'm watching it so I can get progressive photos. And, the calf is one of our's...love her markings. She's an Angus x Hereford cross. I hope ya'all out there in Bloglandia are having a good spring too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkFnBZvtOI/AAAAAAAACX8/eQ0nb_2WV0Y/s1600/DSC04667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkFnBZvtOI/AAAAAAAACX8/eQ0nb_2WV0Y/s400/DSC04667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkFxgd0zGI/AAAAAAAACYE/3S2IAfN8V8U/s1600/DSC04908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkFxgd0zGI/AAAAAAAACYE/3S2IAfN8V8U/s400/DSC04908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkGYf4a6MI/AAAAAAAACYM/hdb9qOyp2bc/s1600/DSC04523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAkGYf4a6MI/AAAAAAAACYM/hdb9qOyp2bc/s400/DSC04523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-19951605080273091382010-05-31T07:41:00.000-07:002010-05-31T07:53:03.058-07:00Freedom isn't free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPEB49uIMI/AAAAAAAACWc/tspPdPA5u2A/s1600/flags+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPEB49uIMI/AAAAAAAACWc/tspPdPA5u2A/s400/flags+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />The many freedoms we enjoy came at a very high price...paid for by others, many of whom are buried in foreign lands. May we<b> NEVER</b> forget to be grateful. We have so many reasons to be the most grateful of all countries. Historically, Americans who went off to war have always fought for the right reasons, willingly and with honor. We are a vain and forgetful species. If only we would learn to hold on tightly to the right things with uncompromising steel. If only each and every one of us would stand up for those 'right things' on a daily basis - not just believe in them, but <b>STAND</b> on them and really live up to what others have fought and died for. We haven't yet forfeited the freedom to do it with fearless and unrelenting joy, yes <b>JOY</b>. We should be <b>HAPPY</b> that we can stand on wholesome principles without being endangered. If we do lose ground there, it will happen because we <i>let</i> it happen. I pray for our country, I hope you do too. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPGD0Gl1vI/AAAAAAAACWk/lx0uxSwJ08Q/s1600/Flag+Fun+Days.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPGD0Gl1vI/AAAAAAAACWk/lx0uxSwJ08Q/s400/Flag+Fun+Days.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br />To all who served and continue to...<b>Thank You</b>. To all who have lost loved ones, a Thank You is so small, but, I hope it helps to see people in this country honoring your fallen loved one by living as grateful citizens and with sincere, humbled hearts remembering who pays for our ongoing safety and freedoms. It isn't the politicians, it our neighbor's son or daughter.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPHckHSSdI/AAAAAAAACWs/ibymW6voabU/s1600/flags+honor+the+brave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPHckHSSdI/AAAAAAAACWs/ibymW6voabU/s400/flags+honor+the+brave.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPIs-HfbGI/AAAAAAAACW0/KMBlXRTujss/s1600/flag+psalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/TAPIs-HfbGI/AAAAAAAACW0/KMBlXRTujss/s320/flag+psalm.jpg" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-42992597422749668682010-05-27T08:25:00.000-07:002010-06-12T18:04:11.000-07:00My Indian NameIf I <b>did</b> have an Indian name, it would have to be "Too Many Irons In Fire". I never seem to learn to set realistic goals. At age 54, that probably won't change via my own free will. Feeling my age is doing it for me these days. Ok, so it just takes me longer now - What-Ever.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6Sa8TUF9I/AAAAAAAACUk/WRduRDdSfc0/s1600/DSC04446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6Sa8TUF9I/AAAAAAAACUk/WRduRDdSfc0/s400/DSC04446.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><br /><br />May is always so busy for us because of it being our calving season. Nuthin' doin', I had to pile more on ... like a landscaping project, a gardening project and we're re-siding the house and building an addition. It'll all look great when it is done. I surrendered landscaping as an impossible mission many years ago due to our mate, the wind and heavy clay soil. I got tired of being a landscape loser though and this set my sights on changing all that. 50 plants, trees and shrubs later, I feel better about it. Now things just need to grow. I made my enclosed garden 'court' from 100% recycled "junktiques". The picket fence panels serve as a windbreak fortress.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6S0aK-hoI/AAAAAAAACU0/u515tnUvFGk/s1600/DSC04603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6S0aK-hoI/AAAAAAAACU0/u515tnUvFGk/s400/DSC04603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I'll spare you the words and just post some photos taken over the last month...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6TSUDAz2I/AAAAAAAACU8/uub8nWUEfW4/s1600/DSC04567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6TSUDAz2I/AAAAAAAACU8/uub8nWUEfW4/s400/DSC04567.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6TlV_jZBI/AAAAAAAACVM/sxA_uJK0bpk/s1600/DSC04551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6TlV_jZBI/AAAAAAAACVM/sxA_uJK0bpk/s400/DSC04551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6TvM11r4I/AAAAAAAACVU/lKOsTmcXDIg/s1600/DSC04507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6TvM11r4I/AAAAAAAACVU/lKOsTmcXDIg/s400/DSC04507.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><br />I also went on a junkin' safari a few times this month. The mission was to find and bring home some fun old goodies to re-purpose. I have a few gal-pals that enjoy this kind of outing also and we had a grand time hunting for rusty treasures at neighboring ranches...with permission of course! I used the hydraulic bale-feeder's arms and chains to lift the tangled mess of 'iron spaghetti' so that we could free up the things we wanted. Here are a few pics... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6Uaft46qI/AAAAAAAACVc/JYy5wzpGgBo/s1600/DSC04405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6Uaft46qI/AAAAAAAACVc/JYy5wzpGgBo/s400/DSC04405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Old iron beds make a great trellis for climbing roses, morning glories, clematis etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6U3breLsI/AAAAAAAACVs/vkc7aOb5u9M/s1600/DSC04585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6U3breLsI/AAAAAAAACVs/vkc7aOb5u9M/s400/DSC04585.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><br />I've since planted trailing flowers in my shabby chair planter. They'll be pretty spilling over the edge by mid-summer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6V914jhQI/AAAAAAAACV0/rCBnRZGof3I/s1600/DSC04461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6V914jhQI/AAAAAAAACV0/rCBnRZGof3I/s400/DSC04461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love old loopy wire fence. Don't know where I'm gonna use it yet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6WVGC0OfI/AAAAAAAACV8/xxq0mEoUHH0/s1600/DSC04591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6WVGC0OfI/AAAAAAAACV8/xxq0mEoUHH0/s400/DSC04591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And here are the little darlings...my hens at their present age: wee lassies. What kind you might ask? Welsummers, Barred Marans, Blue Wyandottes, Brahmas...all 'heirloom' breeds. I'm having a friend build a chicken coop on wheels. It'll be tricked out with all kinds of vintage goodies. The plan is to move it regularly down the driveway so the birds will have fresh greens to eat and they'll be far enough away to leave my garden alone! Everything works in theory ya know. We'll see about that. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6W6ChPLvI/AAAAAAAACWE/1LlcEmae1Sg/s1600/DSC04412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6W6ChPLvI/AAAAAAAACWE/1LlcEmae1Sg/s400/DSC04412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This old hub-cap serves nicely as an open-air nesting spot.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6XujrE_FI/AAAAAAAACWM/4jJFAZT0fgY/s1600/Ribbon+eye+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6XujrE_FI/AAAAAAAACWM/4jJFAZT0fgY/s400/Ribbon+eye+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I'm so stoked to ride my coming three-year old filly this weekend. My girlfriend started her for me. Arthritis changed my mind about doing this one myself. I'm blessed to have a friend who is a good hand at staring colts. The plan is for me to ride her for the first time at their branding this weekend. My girlfriend says she's a glide-ride, exceedingly smooth and very laid-back. That's how I bred her and I'm so tickled that she turned out to be my kind of hoss.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6Ytmi3whI/AAAAAAAACWU/FaM6NuqRdVo/s1600/DSC04599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S_6Ytmi3whI/AAAAAAAACWU/FaM6NuqRdVo/s400/DSC04599.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><br />Now for summertime to get into full swing. The wildflowers are coming on and I'll post some photos soonish. I've replanted a few in my xeriscape garden. Thank you kindly for stopping by for a lookyloo. Happy Trails until we meet again.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-2695832799244597972010-05-02T07:18:00.000-07:002010-05-02T07:31:46.171-07:00Rockabye Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92DrJsjsII/AAAAAAAACTM/VaG1WT2gqr4/s1600/DSC04093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92DrJsjsII/AAAAAAAACTM/VaG1WT2gqr4/s640/DSC04093.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>A few days ago, I went out to a friend's ranch to go rock hunting...but, but not for little rocks. I'm talking "Boone &amp; Crockett" rocks! I'm in the process of creating a new xeriscape 'garden' in front of our house. It began by digging out a 12'x16' hole (2.5' deep); then it was filled with amended soil...mixed with native soil. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92E-NZ3jfI/AAAAAAAACTU/0DwP-K2cq9M/s1600/rocks+anita%27s-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92E-NZ3jfI/AAAAAAAACTU/0DwP-K2cq9M/s400/rocks+anita%27s-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Before I could begin planting trees, shrubs and flowers, I had to first 'plant' my beautiful boulders that are covered with lichen in hues of orange and lime green. Anita's husband loaded my pick-up with two huge rocks and I also added several other large stones that will serve as the garden border. I'm about midway through the project -- need one more rock gathering trip to complete this part. I also need to extract a wonderful, old iron headboard from a ranch dump. It is very ornate and completely rusted. It will rest in the back corner (at an angle) of the garden and Morning Glories will climb all over it (I hope).&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92F5ujmwXI/AAAAAAAACTc/p4Rl0DSSUEQ/s1600/DSC04085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92F5ujmwXI/AAAAAAAACTc/p4Rl0DSSUEQ/s400/DSC04085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In case you're interested in what I've planted thus far and will be planting, here is the list: Moonglow Juniper, Alberta Spruce, Chokecherry, Blue Chip Spruce (creeping), Limeglow Juniper (feathered branches, creeping), Autumn Spirea (pale green and plum foliage, pink flowers), Potentilla, Yellow Nine Barks, Climbing Rose (wild rose pink), Native Sagebrush and Yucca. Flowers: Russian Sage, Clump Dianthus, Gaillardia, Penstemmon, Batchelor Buttons, Painted Daisy, 3 varieties of Artemesia, Salvia, ornamental grasses and Hollyhocks up next to the house. This is southside exposure. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92HnDaytoI/AAAAAAAACTk/etSvNbhMQG8/s1600/DSC04096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S92HnDaytoI/AAAAAAAACTk/etSvNbhMQG8/s400/DSC04096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here is Anita and my Rat Terrier. We were still in the hunting phase. After I get the Xeriscape garden done, next will be window boxes on the two windows on that side of the house. A friend made two large ones out of heavy barn-board for me. I'll put pale pink Million Bells and white Bacopa in them, which will result in a profusion of flowers spilling over the edges of the window boxes. They will set on very large antique harness hookes - once used to hang draft horse harness on. We've just completed the first coat of new paint on the house - barn red (with white trim)...which goes with the rest of the ranch outbuildings. I like the old-fashioned 'farm &amp; ranch' color scheme. This is the year of our homestead's 'make over' which is way overdue. With all the changes that we're working on...re-fencing and dirt-work, these also will come: a new mud room addition, covered patio and car port. It will be wonderful when it is DONE!About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-14907769797115313972010-04-26T09:39:00.000-07:002010-04-26T09:39:24.184-07:00I'm tanked!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S9XA8lcTE1I/AAAAAAAACR0/g5KAIlEgvrg/s1600/tank+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S9XA8lcTE1I/AAAAAAAACR0/g5KAIlEgvrg/s400/tank+garden.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>Once upon a time, there was an old rusted out stock tank in one of our pastures. Now it is home and filled with old dirt and awaiting veggies and flowers. Before I filled it with dirt, I placed an old iron bed in it. Morning Glories will grace the head board and Sweetpeas at the foot. I'm so anxious to get things planted, but it will be mid-May before it is warm enough here. We also dug up a large area at one end of the house for landscaping. Oh, did I have fun buying shrubs, trees and perennials. Spring is finally here...now for some warm sunny days so that I can get in the dirt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S9XBoLPk-LI/AAAAAAAACR8/13p2vIlsKts/s1600/shrubs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S9XBoLPk-LI/AAAAAAAACR8/13p2vIlsKts/s400/shrubs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-53793666134153296582010-04-08T22:08:00.000-07:002010-04-08T22:12:23.380-07:00Pause for a moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S761ungzSrI/AAAAAAAACRE/iIy01WF5CwE/s1600/2010+crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S761ungzSrI/AAAAAAAACRE/iIy01WF5CwE/s400/2010+crafts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Do you sometimes suffer from feeling like ya don't get enough done in a days time? Once in awhile, reflection helps people like us feel better...I think. Being detail oriented can convince you that you can't keep up ... with yourself. But, the truth is, if you're trying ... you're probably succeeding at being productive even if you don't get to all the things you see out in front of you in the distance. Shown above are a few of my creations in recent months; three of which can be found in the MaryJanesFarm online/e-magazine, "The Cluck". If interested, you can subscribe by visiting the Farmgirl Connection website (see badge on lower left of page) and following the links.&nbsp; The published designs are: Stipple quilted flower basket pillow, Victorian Horseshoes, recycled shoulder-pad potholders.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-88138556561602130292010-04-08T17:48:00.000-07:002010-04-10T08:43:45.036-07:00BukBuk...BuhKuk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S76Sfyn3aJI/AAAAAAAACQs/g8QMGAKkk3o/s1600/MaryJane+logo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S76Sfyn3aJI/AAAAAAAACQs/g8QMGAKkk3o/s320/MaryJane+logo+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S76TQsEWf2I/AAAAAAAACQ0/hNXUj0dTFL8/s1600/hen+chicks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S76TQsEWf2I/AAAAAAAACQ0/hNXUj0dTFL8/s320/hen+chicks.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've been chickenless for three years. But, I'm soon to be back in the saddle. I ordered chicks yesterday...a very rare 'heirloom' breed called "Buckeyes" (see below). They are a deep, <b>vibrant</b>, mahogany brown, possessing docile, outgoing, friendly personalities. They're hardy and love 'free-range' living. My type of chicken! My baby chicks will need a new coop, so that too is in the works. I've been looking at several styles and with the help of a carpenter-friend, we'll come up with something just right. It'll be CUTE too...a 'farmgirl folk-art' style coop with 'junk' accents and recylced materials. I'm excited!! Lord willing, I'll be loving on fluffy little chicks next month. Becoming part of the MaryJanesFarm team stoked my longing for having cluckers again.&nbsp; My mother and grandmother love chickens too. My mother has a wonderful antique print in their living room...a small girl setting a dish of water down for a baby chick. The picture hung in her parent's house too. My grandmother told my (now 75 year old) mother that her first words were, "Chickie dink." I guess is runs in the family. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S754s8H6mgI/AAAAAAAACQk/XGuCJ0pvwVY/s1600/Chickens+Misc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S754s8H6mgI/AAAAAAAACQk/XGuCJ0pvwVY/s400/Chickens+Misc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-57801917231646560152010-03-31T09:07:00.000-07:002010-04-09T06:38:45.065-07:00The Heart Of The MatterThere is one sentence that sums up Easter...and here 'tiz. I made this image and please pass it on if you feel so moved! Happy Easter everyone!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S7Ny0uSqQJI/AAAAAAAACP8/jJ3bbpU9Hx0/s1600/Easter+TRUTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S7Ny0uSqQJI/AAAAAAAACP8/jJ3bbpU9Hx0/s320/Easter+TRUTH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-50899772135888353312010-03-27T10:09:00.000-07:002010-03-27T10:28:54.600-07:00Pray For The Fish?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6451V7-saI/AAAAAAAACPU/6VtaU_2qO4o/s1600/cutthroat+jump.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6451V7-saI/AAAAAAAACPU/6VtaU_2qO4o/s320/cutthroat+jump.JPG" /></a></div><br /><embed align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="viewkey=3bbb5f604e4206c5b107" height="270" name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="330" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br />I love the music of Randy Travis and this song is <b>fun</b>...and humbling too. I thought you might also enjoy it. FIRST, before listening to this music video, turn OFF my playlist (above). No one has gone too far down the wrong road to be DQ'd. The Lord didn't come to save the 'good' fish...he came for us Carp and 'junkfish' like Eddy! The best part of fishin' (for me) is the field trip outing. I like to eat fish fish as long as I have a boat full of lemons. Here are a few vintage images from my stash ... just for the fun of it. If you like, save the badge at the bottom of this post to share on your blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6467cuO3wI/AAAAAAAACPc/5gnFitf0ppY/s1600/fishin+lady+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6467cuO3wI/AAAAAAAACPc/5gnFitf0ppY/s400/fishin+lady+1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S647QmyDYRI/AAAAAAAACPk/Vt_jH5mzXcc/s1600/fishing+catch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S647QmyDYRI/AAAAAAAACPk/Vt_jH5mzXcc/s320/fishing+catch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S647ZiZiitI/AAAAAAAACPs/Qda_s6kh6lY/s1600/Jesus+fish+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S647ZiZiitI/AAAAAAAACPs/Qda_s6kh6lY/s320/Jesus+fish+story.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-25718686362395585922010-03-25T20:49:00.000-07:002010-03-26T08:59:01.913-07:00Whats In A Name?Whats in a <b>name</b>? It depends on the name. At 'Easter time' there is but one name under Heaven that has given meaning, comfort, joy, healing, courage, hope, peace and purpose...and eternity to us. His name is Jesus and the coming days are His alone. He became the living illustration of Passover...the "Lamb's blood" that spares our soul. Prince of Peace, King of Creation and our best friend gave His life that we could receive the promise.&nbsp; Here are some antique postcard images for you to enjoy and share if you like. I hope you have the most personal of reasons to celebrate Easter...knowing that<b> your</b> name is written in the Book Of Life.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wq7z1o7FI/AAAAAAAACOk/hGx5ymp1qNU/s1600/Jesus+with+lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wq7z1o7FI/AAAAAAAACOk/hGx5ymp1qNU/s400/Jesus+with+lamb.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wroTHdZEI/AAAAAAAACOs/q1xgSRXrjEM/s1600/easter+wild+roses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wroTHdZEI/AAAAAAAACOs/q1xgSRXrjEM/s400/easter+wild+roses.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wsZ6WSm6I/AAAAAAAACO8/iRk1t0gXeg0/s1600/easter+bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wsZ6WSm6I/AAAAAAAACO8/iRk1t0gXeg0/s400/easter+bouquet.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wtHWb0P_I/AAAAAAAACPE/m-AMYL6oZnc/s1600/easter+chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wtHWb0P_I/AAAAAAAACPE/m-AMYL6oZnc/s400/easter+chicks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wt31X_hqI/AAAAAAAACPM/Q-1xe7YepBc/s1600/cross+for+easter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6wt31X_hqI/AAAAAAAACPM/Q-1xe7YepBc/s400/cross+for+easter.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-37355107970626036352010-03-18T09:13:00.000-07:002010-03-29T18:03:35.217-07:00Custom Desk...WooHooo!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S7FN1-_n3uI/AAAAAAAACP0/O_O1i_URmQg/s1600/DSC03605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S7FN1-_n3uI/AAAAAAAACP0/O_O1i_URmQg/s400/DSC03605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Gone is my old computer desk! It was generic looking and showing it's age. When I first got<br />into computers years back, computer desks were <b>not</b> easy to find (much less quality models at affordable prices). An elderly carpenter friend of ours made this custom desk for me and I brought it home the other day. It is made primarily of Lodgepole Pine, but it sports other goodies too. I asked "Jim" to trim the front using Cedar from fence posts that my grandfather would have made at least 50 years ago. I gathered them from an old stack of posts in the pasture. The edge of the desk surface and the keyboard pull-out is trimmed in Walnut (the places that get more wear). The drawer handles are made of White-tail Deer antlers that I found and picked up while riding; and the drawers are beautifully dove-tail joined. I also had a shelf unit made to match. I'm 'pickled tink' with my new set-up. Jim did a <b>wonderful</b> job! Inspired by my new addition, I kinda spruced up my little office-spare bedroom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6Ou3uwjVrI/AAAAAAAACOc/sRRJ2yz4AjU/s1600-h/2009-10-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S6Ou3uwjVrI/AAAAAAAACOc/sRRJ2yz4AjU/s400/2009-10-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-89165385612891713302010-03-12T11:35:00.000-08:002010-03-12T11:35:35.891-08:00Shamrocks & Clover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Antique cards illustrated an era of our society that appreciated 'Nature' long before our present day 'green fixation'. The very early 1900s also depicted a time when healthy virtues and moral standards were what I, for one, wish they still were. Here are some vintage images just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qSuxB2jVI/AAAAAAAACNs/TUaPuxeMG44/s1600-h/horseshoe+and+greens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qSuxB2jVI/AAAAAAAACNs/TUaPuxeMG44/s400/horseshoe+and+greens.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qT1boMfQI/AAAAAAAACN0/afW4nQ8tno4/s1600-h/lily+of+valley+on+gold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qT1boMfQI/AAAAAAAACN0/afW4nQ8tno4/s400/lily+of+valley+on+gold.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qVPpM11AI/AAAAAAAACN8/FAWGWCN32XA/s1600-h/Winter+scene+clover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qVPpM11AI/AAAAAAAACN8/FAWGWCN32XA/s400/Winter+scene+clover.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qXQKCjl8I/AAAAAAAACOE/Lkwb6T0dCKk/s1600-h/StPatty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5qXQKCjl8I/AAAAAAAACOE/Lkwb6T0dCKk/s400/StPatty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-83770270023854539832010-03-09T18:41:00.000-08:002010-04-08T22:19:50.207-07:00Baubles & BanglesOk, I've been on sabbatical and it was time to go back to work in my rock quarry. Here are some of the newest results. I'll be taking them to a nearby artisan gallery and I'm thankful for the opportunity, given the economy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5cGFYZKaRI/AAAAAAAACNA/QFnONhFAeFs/s1600-h/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5cGFYZKaRI/AAAAAAAACNA/QFnONhFAeFs/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I also started my 3 year old palomino filly, "Ribbon"! She's quiet, sweet and so agreeable. It sure takes a long time to get here...from birth to saddle horse, but it is a special thing to make your own horse from scratch. Here is a photo collage that takes her from Day 1 to last weekend. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5cGsacYL7I/AAAAAAAACNI/LC30jW6jf6k/s1600-h/Ribbon+sequence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S5cGsacYL7I/AAAAAAAACNI/LC30jW6jf6k/s400/Ribbon+sequence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-70181265916527618902010-02-26T07:43:00.000-08:002010-02-26T07:43:37.098-08:00NEW from MaryJane<span style="color: #815648; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><span class="spnMessageText" id="msg"> </span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S4fqB7WwfVI/AAAAAAAACMw/DwXEO_2NgI8/s1600-h/1+AprMayissue+MJF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S4fqB7WwfVI/AAAAAAAACMw/DwXEO_2NgI8/s320/1+AprMayissue+MJF.jpg" /></a>The newest issue of MaryJanesFarm will soon arrive in subscriber's mail boxes and in stores that carry the magazine. If you'd like to subscribe, here is the link: <a href="http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/magazine.html" target="_blank">http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/magazine.html&nbsp;</a><br /><br />To enjoy more of MaryJanesFarm online, you can visit the main website at www.maryjanesfarm.com and the Farmgirl Connection (see the image to click on as you scroll down this page...on the left.) You can also check out the MJF Farmgirl bloggers (I'm the ranchy farmgirl blogger) - and those blogs can be accessed on the main page of the Farmgirl Connection web page. Look for the MJF site images to click on as you scroll down this page.<br /><br />Spring is just around the corner and this issue will help ease your spring fever...or maybe make it worse!! <br /><span style="color: #815648; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><span class="spnMessageText" id="msg"> </span></span>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-32164446438269661402010-02-16T09:48:00.000-08:002010-02-16T10:07:23.412-08:00A Little Birdy Told Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rT8rWVWEI/AAAAAAAACMY/RWK0cvqRzro/s1600-h/owl+in+barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rT8rWVWEI/AAAAAAAACMY/RWK0cvqRzro/s400/owl+in+barn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This time of year is when our feathered friends can use some extra groceries. The end of of winter is hopefully not too far away, but it will be a long time before natural forage will be renewed. Like so many, I also enjoy helping out my bird friends. The bottom photo in this post features pinecone bird food balls that my sister makes and hangs from their woodshed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rTR1fNzmI/AAAAAAAACMQ/VUhFQ6z0r-Q/s1600-h/chickadees+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rTR1fNzmI/AAAAAAAACMQ/VUhFQ6z0r-Q/s400/chickadees+winter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Birds mark our seasons with their departure, their return, their songs, their young, and their change of colors in some instances. We live precisely where the evergreens of the Black Hills stop and the open plains begin. We have pine trees at our back and from here on out I can count the trees. The local bird population is a mix based on this fact. We get an occasional visit from Cedar Waxwings that feast on the juniper down along the creek. My folks have three hanging feeders and it is very busy! The birds here at our 'little house on the prairie' during the winter are ground feeding song sparrows. In the not so distant future, Meadowlarks, Bluebirds and Lark Buntings will return. My spirit soars when I hear the first Meadowlark tell me that Spring is soon to come.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rUSYN5akI/AAAAAAAACMg/WAIK9YvUH0M/s1600-h/cedar+waxwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rUSYN5akI/AAAAAAAACMg/WAIK9YvUH0M/s400/cedar+waxwings.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />Our bird-feeding 'program' is a little different. The ground feeding habits of our winter birds means that hanging feeders don't work. Our birds feast on the grain that the horses and cattle drop and the seed in the hay we spread out on the large feed-ground at the ranch.The photo at the top is one I took recently when I spotted a pair of Great Horned Owls that were perched in and on top of a run-in shed for cattle. I was so excited!! I love owls and hear them often in the night, but I never get to see them. Very early in the morning when we ride on the ranch, we sometimes spook burrowing owls from their cover in the sagebrush and so you only get a fleeing glimpse of them as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rUlaqPIII/AAAAAAAACMo/sIQ_TFuTh7I/s1600-h/1+Beth%27s+birdfeed+balls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3rUlaqPIII/AAAAAAAACMo/sIQ_TFuTh7I/s320/1+Beth%27s+birdfeed+balls.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>Click on the link to my sister's blog and look for the recipe for her Pinecone birdfeed balls (above). Her blog badge is located on the left of this page...look for the Mia Bella Collection image.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-7793956830457538992010-02-12T09:00:00.000-08:002010-02-12T09:51:32.151-08:00Freebie Vintage E-Valentines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WUy4Qm26I/AAAAAAAACLw/Wa1y5M8CW3Y/s1600-h/valentine+wild+rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WUy4Qm26I/AAAAAAAACLw/Wa1y5M8CW3Y/s400/valentine+wild+rose.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here are some vintage valentine postcards from my stash. You can email these to those you're sweet on. You should be able to click on the images, open them and save the much larger images to send - or just send the smaller image. Enjoy. Happy Valentines Day to everyone! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WExSpFjJI/AAAAAAAACKw/TIv4oYcm6mM/s1600-h/pansy+valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WExSpFjJI/AAAAAAAACKw/TIv4oYcm6mM/s400/pansy+valentine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WGEtJePaI/AAAAAAAACK4/w_10xZSs7Mo/s1600-h/valentine+bachelor+buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WGEtJePaI/AAAAAAAACK4/w_10xZSs7Mo/s400/valentine+bachelor+buttons.jpg" width="271" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WGi3s2ePI/AAAAAAAACLA/H19APYbRfzc/s1600-h/valentine+forget+me+nots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WGi3s2ePI/AAAAAAAACLA/H19APYbRfzc/s400/valentine+forget+me+nots.jpg" width="400" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WGv0No8aI/AAAAAAAACLI/S9B_XRPNG1Q/s1600-h/valentine+kitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WGv0No8aI/AAAAAAAACLI/S9B_XRPNG1Q/s400/valentine+kitten.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WHgMmVxjI/AAAAAAAACLY/3xtCb0bjtJ0/s1600-h/valentine+swallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WHgMmVxjI/AAAAAAAACLY/3xtCb0bjtJ0/s400/valentine+swallows.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WIhby13GI/AAAAAAAACLg/QFA9bllqDrs/s1600-h/valentine+k+roses+3+peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WIhby13GI/AAAAAAAACLg/QFA9bllqDrs/s400/valentine+k+roses+3+peace.jpg" width="252" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WIt9Pr0eI/AAAAAAAACLo/wO-EGYdTc_I/s1600-h/valentine+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S3WIt9Pr0eI/AAAAAAAACLo/wO-EGYdTc_I/s400/valentine+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-9037427638018455472010-02-07T08:44:00.000-08:002010-02-08T07:54:03.624-08:00What The World Needs Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S27oaBgylfI/AAAAAAAACJg/I0fg3QIP8_Y/s1600-h/cabin+valentine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S27oaBgylfI/AAAAAAAACJg/I0fg3QIP8_Y/s400/cabin+valentine.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The vintage 1960s song is right, what the world needs now <b>IS</b> love. Undeniably, we live in changing times and there are three Ts that mark the current era: Turbulence, Trials and Trouble. It is all around us, as is the need for the practical application of love.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S27pTJWgJNI/AAAAAAAACJo/5LhjpmxCy4Y/s1600-h/hearts+of+gold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S27pTJWgJNI/AAAAAAAACJo/5LhjpmxCy4Y/s400/hearts+of+gold.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Live and love generously without worrying about being emptied or getting hurt. Our loving Lord, Jesus, empowers loving 'givers'. Even when we may be weary and feeling used up, we'll be okay when we realign ourselves and lean into the real source of powerful, never ending love. There is no punch in 'flower power' (the old 1960s hippy cliche`) unless the flower is the 'Rose Of Sharon'. He's proven himself many times over as the 'answer' in my own little personal world. What He is capable of in one person's life, he's well able to do in millions of lives, one person at a time. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29Oks0FdmI/AAAAAAAACKI/AW1cAIcJgEs/s1600-h/valentine+violets+roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29Oks0FdmI/AAAAAAAACKI/AW1cAIcJgEs/s400/valentine+violets+roses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The King Of Kings is the King Of Hearts. If you haven't yet made Him your love of a lifetime, do so. You'll never look back and no matter what happens in our old troubled world, we are safe in His arms. The Lord of all Creation keeps your heart in His own and there is no better place to send your 'heart' on Valentines Day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29H70lKb_I/AAAAAAAACKA/rbJLphOBTao/s1600-h/Jesus+lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29H70lKb_I/AAAAAAAACKA/rbJLphOBTao/s400/Jesus+lamb.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-78396562348004596102010-01-28T10:17:00.000-08:002010-02-07T17:06:10.518-08:00Red, White And True Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HTLo-LFzI/AAAAAAAACIY/aTaF5ucm7O0/s1600-h/flags+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HTLo-LFzI/AAAAAAAACIY/aTaF5ucm7O0/s400/flags+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Our dear country is going through a time of rediscovery made possible by many factors, almost all of which are negative. I want to believe that the upside is that much good will come of it. Unfortunately, complacency is a common human habit. Before they really listen to a wake up call, they hit the 'snooze' button many times.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HV6ozBPEI/AAAAAAAACI4/T6t4eaBEaGw/s1600-h/Wake+Up+America.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HV6ozBPEI/AAAAAAAACI4/T6t4eaBEaGw/s320/Wake+Up+America.jpg" /></a></div><br />We've run out of snooze buttons. Now, we are on the edge of not just being abruptly aroused from slumber, but being shoved out of bed onto the cold hard floor of reality, laying there flat on our face wondering what in the 'sam hill' happened while we were sleeping.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HTh5XbvhI/AAAAAAAACIg/Xi1GHeCRqp0/s1600-h/flag+berries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HTh5XbvhI/AAAAAAAACIg/Xi1GHeCRqp0/s400/flag+berries.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I don't know how the near future will play out, but it will come and I pray we meet it in a way that honors our forefathers and the thousands of patriots who fought and died for this country. It falls upon every generation to refresh, re-sacrifice and re-strengthen the commitment to every element that made and maintains our great country. Our constitution was not intended as a set of side-note guidelines. Our government is unbalanced and tone deaf: the power base is no longer the people. It is time to prune, making government smaller and the people's voice what it ought to be...loud and clear and <b>the</b> dominating force.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29ibzprZxI/AAAAAAAACKg/jbrwWKa0MhU/s1600-h/flag+girl+paper+hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29ibzprZxI/AAAAAAAACKg/jbrwWKa0MhU/s400/flag+girl+paper+hat.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>&nbsp; re you a patriot or are you a quiet bird on the fence? If the latter, there may soon come a time when the fence will fall out from underneath you and so will the many distractions that lure a free people to live in excuse driven complacency. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HUNOujlhI/AAAAAAAACIw/yGuGL_RDZjo/s1600-h/flag+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S2HUNOujlhI/AAAAAAAACIw/yGuGL_RDZjo/s400/flag+sky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The U.S.A. is populated with beautifully framed people, a direct result of a free society. I hope that our citizenry will once again rise to the challenge of preserving a country that builds the kind of human beings that lead a world in dire need of ethics rich leadership.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29jYenbcQI/AAAAAAAACKo/pf3ZDEcbfsw/s1600-h/flag+boy+wreath+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S29jYenbcQI/AAAAAAAACKo/pf3ZDEcbfsw/s400/flag+boy+wreath+crop.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-16041437132350770422010-01-22T12:10:00.000-08:002010-01-22T18:19:39.782-08:00Artsy Farmgirls & Homemade Wine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Last night was the 3rd monthly get-together of our local herd of "MaryJane" style farmgirls (at my house). A new gal, Michelle, joined us and she is <i>extremely</i> productive in crafting, building things, refinishing antiques, home improvements, fabric arts etc. She brought show &amp; tell goodies and taught us the basic elements of rug hooking. I served veggies, dip and <i>quick &amp; easy</i> cranberry cookies (see recipe below).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1n_a2bn3VI/AAAAAAAACHw/JRHn1it7jIk/s1600-h/DSC03064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1n_a2bn3VI/AAAAAAAACHw/JRHn1it7jIk/s640/DSC03064.JPG" width="457" /></a><br /></div>My friend, Anita, out did herself with 'offerings'...she had made homemade soap this past week AND she also made each of us a small split oak basket for 3 gift bars of her luxurious soap. In addition, she also brought homemade Currant wine and 3 varieties of <i>delicious </i>cream cheese spread (for crackers). The cream cheese was courtesy of Anita's milk cow, 'Matilda'. There was bacon &amp; onion, dill &amp; chive and sweetened cranberry. The last one kind of tasted like strawberry cheesecake. YUM.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1paU-U-gUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Z_6zlMrePwE/s1600-h/DSC03050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1paU-U-gUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Z_6zlMrePwE/s400/DSC03050.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Normally, we bring something to work on (needle arts, scrapbooking, sketching, mending etc), but last night we mostly gabbed and got to know Michelle. I was tickled to have found a very old woolen hooked rug on eBay and it matches a primitive puppy (a pattern I created awhile back). I'd like to learn how to do either wool needlepoint or rug hooking. I showed off my vintage jars, all dolled up with retro style decals and glitter; I gave one of the gals a decal'd lid for an old lid-less coffee jar of her's. The 'how-to' of dressing up old jars can be found in last fall's edition of MaryJane's Farmgirl online magazine, <i>The Cluck</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1oDHXRgrtI/AAAAAAAACH4/UlLo1ssnfIQ/s1600-h/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1oDHXRgrtI/AAAAAAAACH4/UlLo1ssnfIQ/s320/DSC03059.JPG" width="228" /></a><br /></div>Getting together with girlfriends in each other's homes (taking turns at hosting) is such fun. It is easy to think 'we' are too busy, but making the time for such healthy fellowship, it is SO worth it. Good friends are a deep well of inspiration, encouragement and vitamin F (aka <b>FUN</b>).<br /><br /><b>Shery's Quick Cranberry Cookies</b><br />1 white cake mix, 1 stick + 2 Tablespoons of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 Cup dried cranberries, 1/2 Cup crushed walnuts (optional). Combine ingredients, drop spoonfuls on lightly greased cookie sheet, bake at 350 degree for about 10 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.<br /><br />These EASY cookies were a hit at Christmastime. But, I added 2 more tablespoons of butter to the basic 'cake mix cookie' recipe and this version is now Perfect - just the right amount of gooey softness inside, crispy on the outside...and buttery goodness! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1oH8Gks6BI/AAAAAAAACII/qn36RayWa6w/s1600-h/DSC03069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1oH8Gks6BI/AAAAAAAACII/qn36RayWa6w/s400/DSC03069.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-86097944132773812962010-01-20T08:34:00.000-08:002010-01-20T19:43:31.760-08:00Heaven for Haiti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1cuAOB7FRI/AAAAAAAACHg/xejrmyEYAwo/s1600-h/haiti+child+praying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S1cuAOB7FRI/AAAAAAAACHg/xejrmyEYAwo/s320/haiti+child+praying.JPG" width="252" /></a>The photo of this precious Haitian girl praying, filled my inner being with awe...such trust and serenity in the midst of devastation. There are so many in need in Haiti and the need is so great. Please go to any of the reliable sources of help for Haiti and give as you are able. $5.00 is huge when the need is so broad. On the other hand, prayer will cost you nothing but a little time. In the middle of devastation, this precious little girl's trusting faith is obvious in her expression. In the middle of our security and plenty, our own faith should be like an oak. That isn't how it works sometimes, but she's sure a humbling reminder of what ought to be. <br /></div>About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-54631743595499130282010-01-14T08:08:00.000-08:002010-01-14T08:09:32.708-08:00The Code Of The WestWelcome to my homestate...Wonderful Wyoming. To view this BEAUTIFUL video, turn off the music playlist above. Enjoy.<br /><br /><object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7931683&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7931683&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><a href="http://vimeo.com/7931683">The Code of the West: Alive &amp; Well in Wyoming - Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/haveypro">Havey Productions</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677128367638114360.post-21392568468535070522010-01-10T09:20:00.000-08:002010-01-13T09:32:31.286-08:00Daydream BelieverAre you a dreamkeeper? By dreams, I mean those magical places, and hoped for goals that can include something to work with or work toward. <br /><br />Our dream can be touched in the here and now as we work our way toward the whole of it. I know dreams come true because I have a list to be grateful for and if I take a look at them, I have the needed fuel of hope to 'keep on keeping on' as I reach for other dreams. Day to day business has to be done, but it is fun to keep our dreams on the horizon as part of what we have to look forward to. At the end of each day we're closer to our dreams no matter how miniscule the measure of it may be.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S0oIG_QiazI/AAAAAAAACGQ/KXO2eoL-5HQ/s1600-h/my+dream+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S0oIG_QiazI/AAAAAAAACGQ/KXO2eoL-5HQ/s320/my+dream+kitchen.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />I have a dream kitchen which is part of the dreamhouse. I may or may not live long enough to see the fruition, but in the meantime I dream. To encourage me in my equine experience, I see my filly "Ribbon" under my new saddle that is currently being built. I try not to get overwhelmed with the work that lies ahead that will take her from kindergarten to a work of art. I've made several before her and that is what can make the goal harder to see the end of. I <i>know</i> how much work will be required...measured in years. <br /><br />There is just no easy way to make a dream come true. If they were easy, they wouldn't be something we yearn for, save for, work for. They'd be easy and easy to take for granted. So, we dream away and long for that day when we walk into our dream and the dream becomes something we can touch...the antique iron bed we can sit on and cast our eyes on the vintage bedding, the quilt, the lace edged pillows. A vintage lamp is there too, restored and sitting on an old dresser that was rescued from the dump. It will serve as a nightstand that holds those things dear to me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S0oLQY72HkI/AAAAAAAACGY/oKgaN3nJFdU/s1600-h/cottage+-+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S0oLQY72HkI/AAAAAAAACGY/oKgaN3nJFdU/s320/cottage+-+quote.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />The windows in my house will be paned and the light will enter my cabin in such a way that it is always soft and especially so in the autumn. Bittersweet vines will hang from the dining room window at that time, and juniper boughs heavy with gray berries at Christmastime. My horses will be on the meadow grazing and I will be thankful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S0oLwygQG_I/AAAAAAAACGg/W4MH_m4_oLA/s1600-h/Ribbon+close+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pRKR6hkflVs/S0oLwygQG_I/AAAAAAAACGg/W4MH_m4_oLA/s400/Ribbon+close+face.jpg" /></a><br /></div>Until then, our lives are an ongoing project list of 'To-Do' things that take us forward and that is how we can enjoy the dream as it is being built. We get some of what we love, our soulfood, every day. If time stood still, we would have no reason to dream or work. So lets get on with the work of dreaming and leaning into the future. Make ready your life as you'd most like it to be...today.About Me...http://www.blogger.com/profile/06600008265857700684noreply@blogger.com2